Napa Wine Co. Releases Its Own Label

Thomas Garrett
Posted: March 30, 1999

Napa Wine Co. -- a custom-crush facility for such hot Napa Valley labels as Bryant Family, Colgin, Pahlmeyer and Staglin -- is launching a brand under its own name. The first wines to be released are a 1997 Sauvignon Blanc, a 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 1997 Pinot Blanc, all from Napa Valley grapes.

The just-reviewed 1997 Sauvignon Blanc ($20, 87 points) is a soft, rich blend of grass, passion fruit, grapefruit and melon flavors. The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon ($28, 88 points) shows ripe currant, black cherry and cedary oak flavors, as well as hints of earthiness, and finishes with firm tannins.

Located in Oakville, the original winery facility dates to 1877, making it one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. In 1993, the Pelissa family -- Napa Valley grape growers since the 1950s -- purchased and renovated the old winery, where more than 60 brands are currently made. The winery is now owned by six partners (all related to the Pelissa family), including managing partner Andy Hoxsey and Ren and Marilyn Harris, owners of the highly regarded Paradigm brand.

Grapes for the Napa Wine Co. label come from the Pelissa family's 600 vineyard acres in the Oakville and Yountville regions. Randy Mason, who has his own Mason brand (best known for Sauvignon Blanc), is making the wines. Production is currently 3,000 cases, but the company plans to increase that to 15,000 cases in the future. Currently, the wine is only sold in California and at the winery.

Napa Wine Co.
7830-40 St. Helena Hwy.
Oakville, CA 94562
Telephone (707) 944-1710